“Get on and we’ll win this thing”.
- Pete Rose to Larry Bowa in Game 5 of the 1980 NLCS in the 8th inning, while the Phillies were down 5-2.

“Get me to the plate, boys”.
- Ryan Howard, Game 4, 2009 NLDS in the 9th inning, while the Phillies were down 4-2.

Great players don’t just stalk the dugout spouting out meaningless clichés. They dig into a batter’s box and knock in enough runs to actually make it happen. They carry the hopes and dreams of entire cities on their backs as they round the bases.

It’s probably little consolation to the 50,000 Rockies fans who witnessed it live, but last night’s NLDS clincher for the Phillies is an instant classic. I don’t use that phrase lightly. But considering the quality of starting pitching, the flurry of offense at the end of the game and the list of improbable plays in such an important game make this a game we won’t soon forget no matter how much longer the Phillies are able to extend their postseason run. Consider:

There will be time between now and Thursday to dissect the Phillies chances to get by the Dodgers again en route to a 7th NL pennant. Today is for savoring the very best that sports has for us. No sport has more compelling, exciting playoffs than baseball. Hockey playoffs are a major improvement over the regular season product, but they do not measure up to October.